Aswaaq picks BinSina as pharmacy retailer

Dubai, August 23, 2008

Aswaaq, a community-focused chain with a commitment to the development of UAE nationals, has selected BinSina Pharmacy as its exclusive pharmacy retailer.

A new community centre, Aswaaq is set to open outlets across Dubai in two years, said a company official.

The BinSina Pharmacy, a leading pharmacy chain in the UAE, has been in operation in the region for more than 40 years and shares the same core values and principles as Aswaaq.

They were chosen over other competitors due to their commitment to recruit nationals, community development and loyalty benefits, he noted.

“We kept certain parameters in mind in our leasing strategy. Our partners must, therefore, share our values to enable us to attain the goals we have set for ourselves,' said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, Aswaaq CEO.

'BinSina won our approval because of its approach to recruiting Emiratis, their history of customer loyalty and commitment to community involvement,” he noted.

He said the project was the first of its kind that operates commercially, while aspiring to boost social interaction.

“At Aswaaq we look beyond profits, numbers and figures. All aswaaq outlets will serve as places where people can interact, share ideas and cultures, and thus get enriched by cross-cultural contact,” Janahi explained.

“This is reflected in the layout of our shopping centers and outlets which are designed to ensure that communities are drawn closer together and people of all backgrounds and walks of life share a sense of belonging to the 'neighborhood',” he added.

Ahmad Al Khayyat, MD BinSina Pharmacy, said, 'Aswaaq is a brand new concept in community retailing and we are thrilled to be chosen to be a part of it. Our shared objectives will lead to a mutually beneficial partnership, as we believe in engaging in commercial activities with a social perspective.'

'We are strongly committed to supporting the values espoused by aswaaq and we look forward to becoming active participants in aswaaq’s social programs for each neighborhood.”

'Aswaaq has been established as part of the Dubai government’s drive to boost the development of UAE nationals. BinSina shares this goal and we have expressed our strong commitment to provide employment to Emiratis in all our outlets.'

'We are confident we will be able contribute significantly to the government’s strategy of providing greater employment opportunities to UAE nationals,” Al Khayyat added.-TradeArabia News Service